Throughout my life, owls, particularly Barred Owls, have served as spirit helpers and indicators when I’m “on track” in my personal life and sacred work. While silent in their flight, thanks to the soft fuzz that dampens the rush of air over their wings, they are gleefully vocal, from their familiar “Who cooks for you?” call to a maniacal range of croaks, whoops, chuckles and shrieks.
As a child, growing up on the large state park my father tended, I often encountered Barred Owls in the Uwharrie forests, and they occasionally followed me as I explored the woods. We speak of owls as shy, but I’ve not found that to be the case with these beauties. Unlike many owls, Barred Owls are active in both daylight and dark, and are highly adaptive. They have taught me discernment and stillness, qualities I needed – qualities we might all do with more of.
In many cultures, owls are feared as the messengers of Death, and that’s what they must indeed be to the meadow voles, chipmunks and field mice they prey on. To some peoples, they are taboo. As a young novice, I once made the mistake of offering a teacher a beautiful owl feather I had found, thinking to convey my respect to him. Upon unwrapping the feather, his eyes grew large and he handed it back like a hot potato, subsequently avoiding me the rest of the gathering. Years later, I learned that his people viewed the presentation of an owl’s feather from one shaman to another as a challenge, the equivalent to throwing down the gauntlet before a duel. I am fortunate that he viewed me unworthy of such a battle!
I was recently given the opportunity to study with the wisdom carrier of an arctic tribe, and an unexpected windfall made the funds available for me to do so. The richly meaningful class yesterday afternoon dealt in part with beliefs about the human soul, death and reincarnation. As a spirit ally, Owl plays a significant role when I do Soul Map readings for my clients, and I found this discussion very relevant.
Last night’s full moon poured down through the oaks and hemlocks here at TwoTrees and must have made for good hunting. I was awakened about 3:00 AM by the familiar call of my Barred Owl guide, who had perched in the boughs of a big poplar tree just off our deck. Knowing how Barred Owl comes to affirm and guide me, I took this as a sign that my latest studies please my Holy Powers. I tiptoed barefoot and in my nightgown onto the deck and stood just a short distance from this magnificent creature, drinking in the wonder of its presence.
Do you have an animal guide or guardian whose appearance in your life serves as an indicator that you’re on track? How can you deepen that relationship? And how do you express your gratitude?